Applications are now being accepted from organizations that propose to build or upgrade off-road vehicle (ORV) trails, and promote rider safety, announced Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.

The ORV Trail Fund, currently valued at almost $590,000, is awarding up to $100,000 this summer to support the construction and maintenance of trails for off-road vehicles, and to promote the safe and responsible use of ORVs.

The ORV Trail Fund, created in 2017, was established as a part of the Off Road Vehicle Act and regulations. The act requires registration of all off-road vehicles within B.C. A portion of the registration fees collected by ICBC are redirected to the ORV Trail Fund. The Recreation Sites and Trails Branch administers the fund and this is the first application intake.

The application deadline is July 16, 2018. Requests for funding from $1,000 to $25,000 will be considered.

Any legal entity in the province, except for individuals, can apply. This includes:

• First Nations
• Local governments (such as municipalities and regional districts)
• ORV organizations (including those representing quads, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, motorbikes and side-by-sides)
• Non-profit societies
• Businesses

Submissions will be adjudicated by provincial recreation staff, with input from provincial-level ORV representatives. Successful applicants will be notified after Aug. 24, 2018.

A five-year plan has been developed to fund future trail recreation opportunities. The planned yearly disbursements will be between $100,000 and $200,000 per year, depending on the growth of the fund.

Quotes:

Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development –

“Government is committed to maintaining the province’s world-class recreational trails. Many of the trails are in remote and rural areas, and this money will benefit all users. Trail improvements will help to create local jobs, and will also enhance tourism opportunities.”

Ralph Matthews, president, Quad Riders ATV Association of B.C. –

“It is a great day for riders in B.C.! This grant will allow for an even more epic riding experience. It will also provide a significant positive economic impact through ORV tourism in our rural communities. Thank you to everyone involved in getting this funding off the ground and on the trails.”

Richard Cronier, president, British Columbia Snowmobile Federation –

“The British Columbia Snowmobile Federation appreciates the government reinvesting a portion of the off-road vehicle registration fees back into ORV safety and trails. B.C. has first-class trails, and this additional money will continue to draw tourists from around the world.”

Ken McClelland, president, British Columbia Off-Road Motorcycle Association –

“This is exciting news for B.C.'s ORV trails, after more than a decade of hard work.  We have some of the best trails in the world, and this will make them even greater. We look forward to working with the Province to promote the off-road recreation industry.”

Quick Facts:

• About 10,000 kilometres of ORV trails are managed by the Recreation Sites and Trails Branch, in partnership with community-based ORV groups around the province.
• There are significant ORV riding opportunities on the land base, including approximately 600,000 kilometres of resource roads and managed riding areas.

Learn More:

Apply and learn more about the fund and the judging criteria: www.gov.bc.ca/ORVFund

Find a recreation site or trail near you: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/ 

Read about B.C.’s trails strategy: www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/documents/Trail-Strategy-for-BC_V6_Nov2012.pdf